Backpedaling

verb

Word Frequency: 0.0

Definitions

1.verbTo pedal backwards on a bicycle.

2.verbTo step backwards.

"The player had to backpedal before catching the ball."

3.verbTo distance oneself from an earlier claim or statement; back off from an idea.

"Though initially adopting a hard-line stance, the politician soon started to backpedal."

4.nounThe act of distancing oneself from a previously supported idea, action, behaviour, etc.; a U-turn or flip-flop.

The Daily Word NerdA new word, a puzzle, and a fun fact — free in your inbox every morning.

Free forever · unsubscribe anytime · all 14 newsletters

That email did not go through — please check it and try again.